The Department of Defense (DoD) is accelerating its software authorization process with the Software Fast Track (SWFT) initiative, aiming to modernize the Authority to Operate (ATO) framework. This shift focuses on faster software deployment while maintaining security standards, incorporating:
- Secure Software Development & Supply Chain Security
- NIST’s Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF)
- Automated Risk Assessments & AI/LLM Integration
🔗 Reference: Buckle Up For the DoD’s Software Fast Track ATO (SWFT)
You Should Know:
1. Secure Software Development (NIST SSDF)
The NIST SSDF (SP 800-218) provides guidelines for secure software development. Key practices:
Example: Using OpenSCAP for compliance checks oscap xccdf eval --profile xccdf_org.ssgproject.content_profile_standard \ --results scan-report.xml /usr/share/xml/scap/ssg/content/ssg-rhel8-ds.xml
2. Software Supply Chain Security
Ensure dependency security with SBOM (Software Bill of Materials):
Generate SBOM using Syft syft packages alpine:latest -o spdx-json > sbom.json
3. AI & Automation in Security Assessments
Leverage AI-driven vulnerability scanning:
Run Trivy for container scanning trivy image --severity CRITICAL,HIGH alpine:latest
4. DoD ATO Automation with OpenRMF
Deploy OpenRMF for automated compliance:
Clone OpenRMF and deploy git clone https://github.com/Cingulara/OpenRMF.git cd OpenRMF && docker-compose up -d
What Undercode Say:
The DoD’s SWFT initiative reflects a broader shift toward DevSecOps, where speed and security coexist. Key takeaways:
– Automation is critical (e.g., SCAP, SBOM, Trivy)
– AI/LLMs will reshape threat modeling
– Smaller vendors must adapt to FedRAMP/DoD compliance
Expected Linux/Windows Commands for Compliance:
Check STIG compliance on Linux sudo apt install openscap-utils oscap xccdf eval --profile stig-rhel8-upstream /usr/share/xml/scap/ssg/content/ssg-rhel8-ds.xml Windows: Scan with PowerShell Get-WindowsUpdate -Install -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
Prediction:
The SWFT model will likely inspire civilian sector adoption, pushing automated compliance tools (e.g., Anchore, Grype) into mainstream DevOps pipelines.
Expected Output:
- Faster ATO approvals via AI-driven risk assessments
- Increased SBOM mandates in federal contracts
- Open-source tools (e.g., OpenSCAP, Trivy) becoming DoD staples
References:
Reported By: Resilientcyber Buckle – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
